Our Journey...

Stupid Eye as a concept has its roots stemming from both our lives – Vipul and mine. Since the time I was in college I have always wanted to and in several ways worked on amalgamating psychology with photography. Vipul on the other hand is a brilliant photographer and someone who lives his life by looking within and growing with every experience. He and I have been best friends first and work associates later.

One day in Mumbai, while I was working from my apartment in Bandra I suddenly get a notification on Facebook saying that Vipul and I are hosting an event called Stupid Eye!

I give Vipul a frantic call and ask him what is it that we are planning?

His response: “I don’t know! I just want to do something!”….

What had actually happened was that while driving back to his house from his office he was about to meet with a terrible accident which, made him lose his temper…however before acting out - for that split second - he looked within - stopped and drove back home – bringing us to the christening of “Stupid Eye”; as these were the first two words that came to his mind.

Well post that Stupid Eye just seemed to have a calling of its own! We invited people to tell us how would they like to be photographed. From these we derived three themes –

Real Self

Ideal Self

Self-Actualization

These themes form the basis of Stupid Eye. The idea is to capture the most honest true self of these individuals into one photograph which will work as a barometer for them in their life’s journey.

Psychology and Photography both involve one important element – People.

Both Ps help explore most aspects of the third P - being an individual and looking at one self within and without.

People and their individualities is another most crucial aspect of Stupid Eye.

 

Stupid Eye uses eclectic therapy i.e. the psychological treatments and therapeutic relationship are customized to the specific needs of the participant, for the sole purpose of helping them as effectively and as quickly as possible.

The art of photography involves creating imagery and visuals. Stupid Eye uses this art to custom design an image for participants, which reveals their innermost core. Visuals enhance assimilation of information in the brain and provide the brain with something concrete to process, hence assisting therapy. Photography is used as an extension to therapy, so as to enhance and maintain therapeutic effectiveness.

The beauty about people is that they are ever changing and ever evolving. During the process of the photo-shoot coupled with therapeutic intervention these individuals explore and travel through several layers of their self. This is the time when Vipul has to capture that moment when they are being at their absolute true self – which means that while make them travel, Vipul constantly has to alter his set and lighting to capture that perfect shot while being in sync with the individual. During the process it is mandatory that the individual, Vipul and I be completely tuned in to the same wavelength hence assisting each other.

I truly believe that each person who went through the process has been so brave. It takes a lot to be honest to oneself and even more to let the world see that naked truth.

Thank you for letting us with each frame gain new perspective and greater faith in life.